Ravenna

 

Ceiling Detail, Basilica of San Vitale

On our first night in Bologna, we decided we'd make an easy day trip the next day, since the weather looked decent, and we were anticipating a bit of continuing jet lag.  We selected Ravenna from a variety of options partially due to its less touristy vibe, but mostly due to its extensive mosaics that we wouldn't be able to see anywhere else on trip.  

The 7 or 8 buildings containing the mosaics are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and date to around 500 AD.  The art and architecture have a Byzantine influence (eastern Mediterranean).  We visited most of the key buildings and a museum.  The mosaics were seriously impressive.  Large and detailed.  The number of individual tiles is mind boggling, not to mention the work it would take to place each of them up on the ceiling.  A personal favorite was the Basilica of San Vitale, with it's octagonal shape, large arches, and huge mosaics (of course). 

Basilica of San Vitale

Interior, Basilica of San Vitale

Interior, Basilica of San Vitale

Ceiling Detail, Battistero Neoniano

Gold-Tiled Cross, Battistero Neoniano

Chapel for small but very important painting (center), Duomo di Ravenna

Dome, Duomo di Ravenna

Mosaic Detail, Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo

Lots of tiled saints overlooking the sanctuary, Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo

More Photos

Activities

• Wandering/Sightseeing
• Basilica of San Vitale
• Mausoleum of Galla Placidia
• Battistero Neoniano
• Duomo di Ravenna
  
• Museo Arcivescovile 
  
• Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo

Random Scenes

• Todd did not accompany us on this outing, but did treat us to a wonderful dinner (chicken/proscuitto rolls with salad).  Yum.  But somehow, we didn't go out for gelato afterwards.  Probably the only day on our whole trip that we went without ... but we certainly made up for it by getting two some days!!